Construction Begins on Cleetwood Cove Bulkhead

Date: July 9, 2011
Contact: Marsha McCabe, 541-594-3091
Contact: Pete Reinhardt, 541-594-3056

This summer the old bulkhead at Cleetwood Cove will be replaced. The bulkhead is the structure that holds the docks in place, and is a critical part of the park research and summer boat tour operations. The original bulkhead was constructed in the early 1960s - it is rusted and worn from years of use and winter storms and can no longer be relied upon to hold the docks securely in place. The bulkhead construction project will help ensure safe docking operations at Cleetwood Cove for years to come.

The first phase of the project requires moving all the needed materials to the lakeshore. Because of the steepness of terrain and narrowness of the trail, the most efficient way to accomplish this is through helicopter transport. To ensure public safety, the trail and road and parking near the trail will be close during helicopter operations. This phase is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 11th. It will take approximately one week to complete this phase of the project.

Once the air operation portion of the project is complete, the Cleetwood Trail will be open to visitors. While the public must stay out of the construction zone at all times, a park ranger will be available to lead visitors through the construction zone when it is safe to do so. This will occur at least 7 times per day, and possibly more. When the contractor is not at the site, visitors will be able to travel back and forth on the path provided.

The park is striving to maintain as much access to the lakeshore of Crater Lake as possible during this important construction project. "We want to make sure park visitors can still get out and experience the work renowned pristine beauty and cool, clear water of Crater Lake," says Superintendent Craig Ackerman. Once boat tours begin later in July, they are planned to continue on their regular schedule throughout construction. Passengers will be escorted through the construction zone before and after their tour.